Register a Trade Name

Trade names are filed with the RI Department of State pursuant to RI Gen. Laws Chapter 6-1. It is important to understand that trade names are not incorporated businesses and are limited to conducting business in one RI municipality, not statewide. Learn about the differences between an incorporated business entity and an unincorporated trade name here. Follow the steps below to register your trade name.

STEP 1

Contact the City/Town Filing Office

Each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns are different. Some municipalities require a zoning application, certificate of home occupancy, specific licenses, and/or permits to conduct certain activities, or an additional business registration requirement to legally operate. Your business may also be responsible for paying municipal taxes each year.

It is important to understand your local requirements first to ensure your business will be permitted to begin operations. Checking with the city/town filing office before registering your trade name with the RI Department of State will save you significant time and expense.

STEP 2

Gather Essential Information

Business Name


The trade name you select must be unique within the city/town in which you plan to operate. Check name availability by searching the Trade Name Database. Remember, trade name availability is limited by the trade names already registered in the city or town of registration.

Keep in mind a trade name must be different than the owner’s legal name and may not include a corporate ending such as LLC or Co.


Primary Contact


A trade name’s primary contact acts as the primary point of contact for official correspondence from the RI Department of State. Only one owner may be identified as the primary contact.



Note: The designated primary contact does not automatically enjoy more ownership rights or responsibilities; these roles are defined in separate legal documentation held in the private records of the enterprise.

STEP 3

Register Your Trade Name

Submitting the form to register your trade name is NOT the last step! Be sure to return to this page after filing to review and follow the remaining steps.

Navigate to the Business Services Online Filing System. You must sign in to an existing account or create a new user profile to register a new trade name. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new profile or log in. Click here to access a helpful guide with detailed instructions for creating a new user account. After logging in, select "Trade Name Program” from the Home Dashboard. Once the Trade Name Dashboard opens, click the “Register a NEW Trade Name” button to start the filing. Make sure to fill in all required fields and continue through the payment screens to obtain confirmation for your submission. The filing fee to register a new trade name is $20.

STEP 4

Confirm Your Filing

Before proceeding to Step 5, be sure to confirm your registration filing was accepted. Your filing may take two to three business days to process. You will receive an email and may download proof of registration when your filing is approved.

If corrections need to be made before we can accept your registration, you will receive a rejection email with instructions to correct the document and resubmit.

Confirm your registration

STEP 5

Obtain an EIN from the IRS (if applicable)

If you plan to hire employees, you will need to obtain a FREE Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Obtaining an EIN for your trade name may help to protect your personal tax identification number when working with other businesses or applying for contracts. Discuss your options with a qualified CPA.

STEP 6

Register with the RI Division of Taxation (if applicable)

If you plan to make retail sales or hire employees, you must complete the RI Division of Taxation’s Business Application and Registration (BAR) form online to obtain a retail sales permit and create your sales and/or unemployment tax accounts.

Visit the RI Taxpayer Portal

STEP 7

Congratulations! Download your Welcome Packet!

Trade Name Welcome Packet

Learn how to maintain and update your trade name's record

Questions? Contact us!

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm

148 W. River Street,
Providence, RI 02904

401-222-3040

[email protected]


IMPORTANT NOTE:

All information provided on a trade name filing is available for the public to search and view. Once submitted, information cannot be removed from the filing history without court order.

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